The cheapest way to fix the problem?

[batcave]

So, This is the Main disconnect for a Panel that provides Heat to units.
I shut off the Main. Worked on the panel. Went back to energize the Main Disconnect and this is What happened.

 

[littlespark]

“Holy arcing, Batman!”

And that’s why it’s known as the “bang test”


Sox how much was running through that when you closed it?

 

[batcave]

“Holy arcing, Batman!”

And that’s why it’s known as the “bang test”


Sox how much was running through that when you closed it?

800 Amps
575 AC

 

[pc1966]

If I understand those photos, the insulated "fingers" are actuating the knife switch aspect and one has failed mechanically, leading to the actuating bar shorting out the supply?

 

[pc1966]

Looking at the snapped off bit I would be wary of what it is made of, as it looks a lot like the asbestos/cement roof tiles. I might be wrong, but be very careful not to breath in any dust just in case.

I can't see any option to repair it with glue, etc. I really doubt you would get enough strength and if it failed when supposed to be isolating, that is potentially a fatal fault. You might be able to find a scrapped board of the same sort to find some recoverable part, but equally I would be a bit worried that the other ones might fail the same way!

 

[Megawatt]

So, This is the Main disconnect for a Panel that provides Heat to units.
I shut off the Main. Worked on the panel. Went back to energize the Main Disconnect and this is What happened.

It looks to me like the stabs are loose and it has been pulled and thrown back in while being under a heavy load. It needs to be replaced

 

[Megawatt]

So, This is the Main disconnect for a Panel that provides Heat to units.
I shut off the Main. Worked on the panel. Went back to energize the Main Disconnect and this is What happened.

If that is one of the old bulldog switches, they are notorious for breaking

 

[freddo]

Looking at the photos, it really doesn't look like the most robust of designs!

 

[batcave]

If I understand those photos, the insulated "fingers" are actuating the knife switch aspect and one has failed mechanically, leading to the actuating bar shorting out the supply?

yes sir, indeed. Thank god the cover was closed and the lock hinges in place, or else well i dunno id be fried or damage goods.

 

[pc1966]

yes sir, indeed. Thank god the cover was closed and the lock hinges in place, or else well i dunno id be fried or damage goods.

Arc-flash can do terrible injury. We are all glad you had the cover closed when operating that switch!